Footage emerges of Leinster-Stormers tunnel tussle at Aviva Stadium

Footage has emerged on social media of a flashpoint involving Leinster and the Stormers players during halftime in their United Rugby Championship semi-final at the Aviva Stadium.

The incident unfolded as both teams made their way off the field after a tightly contested opening 40 minutes in Dublin. What initially appeared to be a routine walk down the tunnel quickly escalated into a heated exchange.

Stormers lock Conor Evans seemed to stray into the path of Leinster captain Caelan Doris, prompting a shove from the Ireland international. Evans immediately took exception, responding in kind, and the confrontation rapidly drew in teammates from both sides.

Within seconds, the situation had intensified into a mass coming-together, with players pushing and shoving in the confined tunnel space. The congestion became so significant that it effectively blocked the passageway, with players from both teams involved in the melee.

At one stage, Leinster second-row Joe McCarthy could be seen grappling with a Stormers player, appearing to mockingly ruffle his hair as tempers flared before officials and staff moved in to restore order.

This is the most GAA thing I’ve ever seen in rugby.

Probably just as well they’re playing the final in Croker. pic.twitter.com/D0qyHtSEXZ

— Karl Brophy (@KarlBrophy) June 6, 2026

Despite the ill-tempered scenes, the incident was swiftly brought under control, and it did not spill over into the second half in any meaningful way.

After the match, Leinster head coach Leo Cullen downplayed the confrontation, insisting it was quickly dealt with.

“There was no more talk of it,” Cullen said.

The match itself proved just as feisty as the halftime confrontation suggested, with Leinster eventually holding firm to secure a 20-11 victory and book their place in the URC Grand Final.

The hosts made a flying start, opening up a 13-0 lead inside the first quarter. Rieko Ioane crossed early, while Sam Prendergast added the extras and chipped in with two penalties to put Leinster in control.

However, the Stormers responded strongly. Andre Smith powered over from close range, and Jurie Matthee added a penalty to narrow the gap to five points by halftime.

The visitors continued to build momentum after the break. Despite Leolin Zas spending time in the sin bin, Matthee’s boot brought Stormers within two points as they began to dominate territory and possession.

But their challenge was ultimately undermined by indiscipline at crucial moments.

Ruan Ackermann was shown a yellow card for a dangerous challenge on Ronan Kelleher, which was later upgraded to a 20-minute red following review. The numerical disadvantage proved costly, halting Stormers’ momentum dead.

Leinster seized control soon after. The superb Jamison Gibson-Park delivered the decisive blow nine minutes from time, regathering cleverly after the ball was knocked from his hands by Salmaan Moerat to race clear and score under the posts. Moerat was subsequently sin-binned for cynical play in the build-up, further compounding Stormers’ woes as Leinster closed out the contest with no little composure.